Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna Recipe

Introduction

Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna is a festive no-bake dessert featuring creamy peppermint filling, rich chocolate pudding, and a crunchy cookie crust. Topped with crushed candy canes, this layered treat is perfect for holiday celebrations and easy to prepare ahead of time.

A close-up of a square slice of layered dessert on a white plate, showing three distinct layers: the bottom layer is dark brown and looks like chocolate cake, the middle layer is thick and white, possibly cream or frosting, and the top layer is fluffy white whipped cream with small pieces of red and white crushed peppermint candies sprinkled over it. The edges are clean cut, and the background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 24 chocolate sandwich cookies (e.g., Oreos), finely crushed
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 2 cups whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
  • A few drops of red food coloring (optional)
  • 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold milk
  • 1 1/2 cups whipped topping
  • 1/4 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
  • Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish and refrigerate while preparing the next layers.
  2. Step 2: Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. Stir in the peppermint extract and, if using, a few drops of red food coloring. Fold in 2 cups of whipped topping and spread the mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
  3. Step 3: Whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with 2 cups of cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes. Spread this pudding layer evenly over the peppermint filling.
  4. Step 4: Spread 1 1/2 cups of whipped topping over the pudding layer. Sprinkle crushed candy canes and, if desired, chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips on top for decoration.
  5. Step 5: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours or until fully set. Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Tips & Variations

  • Use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies to make a gluten-free version.
  • Add a layer of chopped Andes mints on top of the peppermint filling for extra richness.
  • Mix crushed peppermint candies directly into the peppermint filling for added texture and flavor.
  • Opt for sugar-free pudding mix and whipped topping to create a lower-sugar dessert.
  • Sprinkle mini marshmallows on top for a fun hot cocoa-inspired twist.

Storage

Store the lasagna covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 weeks; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. This dessert is best served cold and does not require reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up of a square piece of dessert with three distinct layers on a white plate set on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a dark brown crumbly base, the middle layer is a thick dark red filling, and the top layer is a thick white cream decorated with chunks of red and white peppermint candy and small bits of chocolate. The cream layer has soft peaks and a smooth texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

How far in advance can I make Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna?

You can make this dessert up to a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, you can substitute freshly whipped cream for Cool Whip. For best results, stabilize the whipped cream with a little gelatin or powdered sugar to help it hold its shape.

Print

Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna Recipe

Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna is a festive no-bake dessert featuring layers of a chocolate cookie crust, creamy peppermint filling, rich chocolate pudding, and whipped topping adorned with crushed candy canes and chocolate shavings. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this easy-to-make treat offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that can be prepared ahead of time.

  • Author: Elena
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

  • 24 chocolate sandwich cookies (e.g., Oreos), finely crushed
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Peppermint Filling:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 2 cups whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
  • A few drops of red food coloring (optional)

For the Chocolate Pudding Layer:

  • 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold milk

For the Topping:

  • 1 1/2 cups whipped topping
  • 1/4 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
  • Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, combine the finely crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with the melted unsalted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are fully coated. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to form the crust. Place the dish in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the next layers.
  2. Make the Peppermint Filling: Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in the peppermint extract and add a few drops of red food coloring if you want a festive tint. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated. Spread this peppermint filling evenly over the chilled cookie crust.
  3. Prepare the Chocolate Pudding Layer: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and the cold milk for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens. Spread this pudding layer evenly over the peppermint filling.
  4. Add the Topping: Spread the remaining whipped topping over the chocolate pudding. Sprinkle the surface with crushed candy canes or peppermint candies and garnish with chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips if desired.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled lasagna for at least 4 hours or until fully set. Once chilled, slice into squares and serve cold for a refreshing holiday dessert.

Notes

  • Use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies for a gluten-free version.
  • For extra richness, add a layer of chopped Andes mints or a thin ganache layer.
  • Best served within 3 days for optimal freshness.
  • You can prepare this dessert up to one day in advance and keep refrigerated until serving.
  • Freshly whipped cream can be used in place of Cool Whip, but stabilize it with gelatin or powdered sugar.
  • To reduce sweetness, opt for sugar-free pudding mix and whipped topping.
  • For a fun twist, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top to mimic hot cocoa.
  • This dessert is best served cold and should not be reheated.

Keywords: Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna, no-bake dessert, holiday dessert, peppermint chocolate dessert, Christmas dessert, layered dessert, easy holiday treats, peppermint pudding dessert

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